Futons might have originated in Japan, but today, these multifunctional pieces of furniture are widely available around the world.
Maybe you’ve already found your dream mattress and are looking for a couch that your mother-in-law won’t mind sleeping on when she visits. Can’t afford a sleeper sofa? Don’t have the space for one either? A futon chair that flattens out into a comfy bed can be a great alternative and, when it comes to company, a lifesaver!
Or maybe you want to deck out your new studio apartment efficiently. Need a couch in your office that you can take a power nap on? Futons!
Our Number One Choice for the Best Futon: DHP Emily Futon Couch Bed
Whatever your reasons for searching for the best futons, you’ve come to the right place. We love futons. And, (if you don’t mind us tooting our own horn a bit), we’re experts. We’re the people our friends turn to when they need to buy a new mattress for their kid or replace their sheets. But, futons? Those are our favorite.
Usually very affordable, futons can double as both a couch and a bed and can fit most anywhere. They come in various designs and sizes, are made from different materials, and futon mattresses use a range of folding techniques. Their flexibility makes futons convenient, but it can make it hard to choose the right futon for you.
Finding the Best Futons
If you’re searching for a good futon, you should consider a few factors. For example, some of these futons might be great for occasionally hosting guests, but if you’re planning to use your futon as a bed every night, you might want to go for ones with higher-quality futon mattresses.
To get an idea of which futons are truly the best, we had to dig deep, because there are thousands of futons on the market today. We looked at a range of factors, including price, quality, features, and more, and came up with our list of the most comfortable futons for your house or office on the market today.
1. DHP Emily Futon Couch Bed
Without a doubt, this futon has the most unique legs that I’ve ever seen. The sleek and slanted design of the end legs lends an industrial nod to any home decor. At the same time, the cushy upholstered look is stylish while offering comfort and support.
After careful consideration, we found the DHP Emily Futon Couch Bed is one of the top choices for a futon. This high-quality futon is able to support a weight of up to 600 pounds, which is beneficial if you plan on having multiple people sleep on it at once. Assembly is exceptionally easy, and it comes with a full instruction booklet to make it easy to set up the futon.
While this futon may seem like the perfect way to accommodate guests, the overall quality of the DHP Emily Futon Couch Bed makes it a great option for people who are considering using a futon as a bed. Its modern appearance easily fits into any interior, and its microfiber finish is soft and comfortable.
The split-back allows for easy adjustment, ensuring you can get just the right level of support if you’re sleeping alone and don’t want to fold it down. This futon can also go completely flat so multiple people can sleep on it, or so you can have a little extra space for yourself.
You can click here to visit DHP’s Amazon Store for more options from this bedding store.
Stats
- Material: Microfiber
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Tufted design
- Special offers: n/a
2. Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon
I love the look of this futon… the ribbed design of the backrest, the stylish armrests, and the wood legs. And, there are several linen colors to choose from making home decorating a breeze with this sofa! As it is properly finished on the back, it looks great up against the wall or in the middle of the living room floor.
The Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon is a great higher-quality option. While it does have a bit of a high price tag, it offers the quality you need when you use such a multifunctional piece of furniture on a regular basis.
The Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon’s frame has a sturdy, solid wood frame, so it’s durable. On top of the wooden frame, you get a cushioning pad filled with both foam and polyester. The combination of these two materials helps you sleep more comfortably, while also ensuring the cushion won’t start to sag after using it for a while.
This futon comes in a variety of colors so you can pick one that matches your room’s decor. It comes with easy-to-follow instructions, so you don’t have to be handy to assemble it.
The manufacturer offers free shipping in the United States, as well as a 30-day guarantee period.
You can click here to visit Novogratz’s Amazon Store for more options from this bedding store.
Stats
- Material: Polyester, foam, wood
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Ribbed tufted cushion design
- Special offers: Free shipping
3. Divano Roma Furniture Collection Modern Plush Tufted Sleeper Futon
Perhaps the best part about this lavish futon is the color. I love this shade of purple… and it is offered in brown, too, for those who love natural shades. The simple metal legs add style and the cushions are posh, no doubt.
The Divano Roma Furniture Collection Modern Plush Tufted Sleeper Futon is a great option if you like vibrant and fun colors. It instantly adds color to a room that’s starting to look dull, and you can choose from other color options, when in stock.
The futon features quality construction with a sturdy steel frame to ensure up to two people can sit or sleep on it without any issues. It features a split-back design, which is quite a popular trend in futons recently. You can customize how you use the futon: have one side up and the other down, both up, or both down at the same time.
As far as futon mattresses go, this one’s cushion is filled with hypoallergenic material, which helps to reduce the risk of experiencing allergy symptoms that can be triggered by materials commonly used in mattresses.
This futon manufacturer offers free shipping, and you get a 30-day period to try your futon and make sure you’re fully satisfied.
You can click here to visit Divano Roma’s Amazon Store for more options from this bedding store.
Stats
- Material: n/a
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Split-back design
- Special offers: Free shipping
4. Kodiak Futon
This Kodiak Futon is great for my small spaces. It provides guests with a sitting area by day and a bed by night. It easily folds down flat for a spacious surface for relaxing. I would love to have this in my home office… great for short cat-nap breaks! It comes in several colors to fit anyone’s decor.
This one costs a little more than some of our other best futons, but it has a few advantages. First, it comes in an impressive variety of colors, which means you can make sure it fits into your existing interior design.
Second, unlike many futons, the Kodiak Futon offers three different positions. In addition to the two traditional ones — sitting upright and lying down flat — it also features an in-between option. This lounge position allows you to sit back a bit and relax without lying down completely. It’s a perfect happy medium for watching movies or just relaxing after a long day at work.
When the futon arrives, the mattress takes a while to decompress completely, but eventually, it will measure between five and six inches tall. This provides comfortable support for sitting, lounging, or an extra sleeping space. Plus, it comes with free shipping.
You can click here to visit Kodiak’s Amazon Store for more options from this bedding store.
Stats
- Material: Polyester, cotton, polyurethane foam
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Three positions to choose from
- Special offers: Free shipping, 30-day guarantee
5. Nirvana Futons Stanford Futon Set
For those with a little cabin in the woods… Wouldn’t this be cute? Its rustic look is great for any country home, and it comes in several colors. The twill fabric is easy to clean and is comfortable to the touch. This would be great for a small spare bedroom to accommodate overnight guests… but, maybe they won’t stay too long!
If quality and durability are the factors you’re prioritizing on your hunt for the best futon, and you’re not afraid to dig deeper into your bank account, you should consider the Nirvana Futons Stanford Futon Set.
While most futons tend to be smaller than a standard bed, the Stanford Futon Set’s goal is to offer you the same comfortable experience as sleeping in a regular bed. It comes in two different sizes, full and queen, so you can pick the one that works best in your space.
The Nirvana Futons Stanford Futon Set comes in a range of colors, and also includes a lounge position that helps you relax while you watch the game or hang out with friends.
This is one of the few futons we’ve seen that comes with a warranty: a five-year warranty on the solid wooden frame and a four-year warranty on the mattress.
You can click here to visit Nirvana’s Amazon Store for more options from this bedding store.
Stats
- Material: Hardwood, solid wood frame
- Lifespan and warranty: Five-year limited warranty (frame), four-year limited warranty (mattress)
- Special features: Includes a full mattress
- Special offers: Free shipping
6. KD Frames Studio Bifold Futon
If you have a beautiful futon… but it’s not comfortable, then what’s the purpose, right? I’ve come to realize that a good foundation, (whether it’s a bed or futon), is as important as the mattress or cushions on top of it. That’s why I feel this is a great way to begin your search for a quality futon. Start at the base and work your way up!
While futons can be convenient, one common complaint is that their mattresses are uncomfortable. The KD Frames Studio Bifold Futon solves this problem by only providing a professionally constructed, high-quality frame. It acts as a base for your futon, so you can choose the mattress that will work best for you. Note that you’ll need to buy a folding futon mattress; you can’t just use a regular bed mattress on this futon frame.
The KD Frames Studio Bifold Futon features five different positions that you can choose from. It also comes with free shipping in the United States. Note that the frame does not come pre-assembled, so you’ll need to build it, but clear instructions are provided.
You can click here to visit KD Frames’ Amazon Store for more options from this bedding store.
Stats
- Material: Tulip poplar
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Four positions
- Special offers: Free shipping
7. Nirvana’s Westfield Complete Futon Set
I would love to sink into this one right now… How about you? It looks so comfortable with the thickness of the 8″cushion. The dark wood is very stylish and will fit anyone’s decor, as well as cushion color in which you have an abundance of choices. I think the Royal Blue is my fave! This futon would look great in my office or den and is perfect for an unexpected guest.
The Westfield Complete Futon Set is another excellent option if you’re able to spend a bit more money. It offers not only the quality and durability you’d expect but also a higher level of comfort compared to some of the other options on our list. Its beautiful Espresso finish features heavy-duty solid wood frame construction.
The Westfield Wood Arm Futon comes with an eight-inch-thick queen-size mattress that gives you a better level of firmness when you lie down, while also providing adequate support when you rather wish to sit up. It comes with free shipping, as well as a 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. Also, you can choose the full-size option as well.
You can click here to visit Nirvana’s Amazon Store for more options from this bedding store.
Stats
- Material: Wood
- Lifespan and warranty: 5-Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Special features: Comes in numerous colorways
- Special offers: Free Shipping
8. FULI Japanese Traditional Shiki Futon
Calling all Grandmas… Do you need some comfortable pallets for when the Littles spend the night? Here’s the answer! Sometimes a good stretch on the floor feels nice. Or, you can use this comfortable mattress on a frame. If you enjoy Japanese traditions, give this one a try! I love the neutral color. It can be used in any room of the house.
This comfortable futon stands out from others on our list of the best futons, as it has a more traditional style. Instead of being fitted onto a wooden or steel frame, this traditional futon is just a mattress. If you wish to follow the Japanese tradition, you can put the FULI Japanese Traditional Futon right on the floor.
Made by a highly experienced team of Japanese craftspeople, the FULI Japanese Traditional Futon mattress is comfortable, with just the right amount of firmness. Shipping is free within the United States.
You can click here to visit FULI’s Amazon Store for more options from this bedding store. Currently, FULI does not appear to have a company website based in the U.S. They sell through Amazon and other various retailers.
Stats
- Material: 100% Cotton Outter Fabric
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Vacuum-packed; expands when opened
- Special offers: Free shipping
9. Mainstay Memory Foam Futon
Did someone say leather? Yes, please… I really like the look of leather in my home and I’m sure it will look great in yours too! Also, did I mention “memory foam”? Who doesn’t love memory foam!? The leather is easy to keep clean, especially if you have children, grandchildren, or tiny visitors. Spills are no problem. The black color will fit any decor, looks expensive but boasts a reasonable price tag.
If you prefer a faux leather futon, then this might be a good option for you. One of the major advantages of the Mainstay Memory Foam Futon is the material used to produce its mattress. While most futons use a relatively low-quality foam, this one features high-quality memory foam. The comfortable memory foam mattress offers a much better level of support, which can help alleviate pain and improve your sleep.
This inexpensive futon doesn’t come with a warranty, but it does come with protection provided by Amazon for 30 days.
You can click here to visit Mainstay’s Amazon Store for more options from this bedding store. Currently, Mainstay does not appear to have a company website. They sell through Amazon and other various retailers.
Stats
- Material: Faux Leather Upholstery, best memory foam futon, metal frame
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Supportive Memory Foam Cushion
- Special offers: 30-day guarantee
10. Pearington PEAR-BLK-7112 Bella Multi-Position Futon
Have you ever seen such a unique, comfortable futon? I must admit, this one will be the conversation piece in your house, as well as the focal point of the room. Industrial, Yes! Modern, Yes! Just plain interesting, Yes! I do believe you would not regret this purchase. I sure would not! This would be great for a dorm room, an office, or a playroom. I can see my kids sitting on this while playing their video games… Can’t you?
Here, we have the Pearington PEAR-BLK-7112 Bella Multi-Position Futon. This quality product offers you a range of features to ensure a more comfortable sleep, while also acting as a great couch during the day.
The futon mattress features a high-density foam filling that provides an excellent level of cushioning, and the pillow top is comfortable and cozy. The leather exterior helps to provide extra support, so it’s not so soft that you sink deeply into it.
The Pearington PEAR-BLK-7112 Bella Multi-Position Futon is easy to use. Simply click the backrest to unlock it, and then fold it over to convert the futon into a bed in an instant.
You can click here to visit Pearington’s Amazon Store for more options from this bedding store. Currently, Pearington does not appear to have a company website. They sell through Amazon and other various retailers.
Stats
- Material: Leather, foam futon mattress, metal frame
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Pillowtop
- Special offers: 30-day guarantee
Conclusion
When you need a makeshift bed for overnight guests or just a nice, classy place to sit, having a futon in your house can be exceptionally convenient. During the day, it acts as a couch, for watching TV or having friends over. At night, you simply fold it open, and the futon instantly becomes a bed. A sleeper sofa that looks more like a traditional couch can be costly. Modern futon options include memory foam mattresses and other features that make the best futons feel more like real beds than ever before.